The Disposal of Redundant Teletherapy Units from NHS Hospitals

Abstract

The removal/disposal of redundant teletherapy units from NHS hospitals is described, detailing the operational procedures and the transport package background. The Harwell section of the Transport Technology Department has been carrying out these operations since 1991, where initially the service was just offered to the NHS: however, today their specialist transport service has significantly widened and is now offered to other business sectors. Due to the level of radioactivity found in each teletherapy unit, it was necessary to design a special transport packaging to meet the requirements for shipment of these units. Approval was sought from the Department of Transport to adapt a standard Type B package as no other packaging could be found to comply with the necessary requirements. All work Undertaken on the removal and disposal of these units complied with an approved scheme of work and was carried out in accordance with a Qualily Assurance workplan. The proposed scheme of work was also submitted to the Hospitals concerned for agreement/authorisation to be given prior to the commencement of the work. Work on this project is continuing until the end of the contract in 1995. However, to keep abreast of modem standards in a manner which is cost effective to customers and acceptable to the general public, the full development of a new Type B packaging is taking place, which is specifically designed to undertake these removal/disposal duties.